Imo alerts to fake mining agents, bans activities in Owerri

Imo State Government has raised the alarm over the activities of fake mining agents, who have been harassing, intimidating and extorting money from members of the public.

Also, the state Government banned all mining activities in and around Owerri, the state capital, assuring that those carrying out the criminal activities will be prosecuted.

In a statement issued by Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma on Mining Matters, Dr. Kingsley Ufere, it said the state government had received complaints of demand notices for revenues from the fake agents.

“Miners are, therefore, requested to direct all complaints of any harassment, intimidation or extortion to the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Mining Matters. All miners in Imo State are advised to resist any payments to the impostors.

“Consequently, the mining public is hereby advised to disregard any form of authority or authorisation being peddled by anyone purportedly for the purpose of mines route or mining revenue rights not emanating from the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Mining Matters. Such authority is by this announcement invalidated,” the statement reads.

On the banning of mining activities, the Ministry of Petroleum and Environment in a separate statement, directed that such illegal activities should stop forthwith.